Ms. Fielding shrugged. “I saw you at the diner.”

“That’s it? You saw me and decided to ask me of all people?”

“Yup.” She leaned casually against the wall. “So?”

Was she dreaming? If so, the jury was still out as to whether it was a good dream or a bad one. But if Ms. Fielding was serious about her offer, Jake would be taken care of. “I still don’t get it. You want me to—?”

The door opened, and the doctor came out. “That’s it for now. Aside from the tonsillitis, Jake seems to be fine. I gave him something for the pain and the fever. The nurse will come along in a moment so that you can sign some paperwork and get him into his room.”

“Can I stay with him?”

“Of course,” Doctor Bennet said. “The room should have a pull-out couch. You can use that, or we can bring in a second bed. Whatever you prefer.”

Her mouth fell open. Never in a thousand years would she have thought something like this was possible for someone like her. She took Doctor Bennet’s hand. “Thank you, Doctor. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome.” He withdrew his hand, gave Ms. Fielding a nod, and walked up to Nurse Tayler, who had just rounded the corner. After a short exchange, she came toward them.

Sherry turned to Ms. Fielding. “About your offer—”

“Time to bring Jake to his room, it seems,” Nurse Tayler said with a smile.

When the nurse went to see to Jake, Ms. Fielding leaned over to Sherry. “Not now.” While they stepped into the treatment room, Ms. Fielding put one hand on the small of Sherry’s back.

Sherry flinched but otherwise ignored the invasive touch. For now.

Jake sat with hanging shoulders on the treatment table, but his lips formed a weak smile. “The doctor was very nice.”

Sherry’s eyes burned. It was all too much. The worry about Jake, Ms. Fielding’s crazy offer, the amazing treatment Jake was getting… She swallowed against the lump in her throat. She never had and never would cry in front of him. “That’s nice, baby.” She was about to pick him up when the nurse touched her arm. “I have a wheelchair here, ma’am.”

“Oh.” Sherry let go of Jake, caressed his flushed cheek, and stepped back.

Nurse Tayler helped Jake into the wheelchair before pushing him out of the room. The fact that he didn’t complain showed how exhausted he was.

Sherry and Ms. Fielding fell into step behind Nurse Tayler. It was surreal. This stranger was walking with them as if she were part of their family. And that’s exactly what she wants everybody to believe. The thought made her queasy. It was just wrong. “What if I don’t do it?” she whispered.

“Not here, dammit. We can talk about it in a second. When we’re alone.”